If you’re craving all the cozy, cheesy, saucy flavors of classic lasagna without turning on the oven or spending hours in the kitchen, Crock Pot Lasagna Soup is about to become your ultimate comfort food hack! This recipe delivers hearty ground beef or sausage, tender lasagna noodles, and a medley of Italian spices, all swimming in a tomato-rich broth and loaded with melty mozzarella and ricotta. The best part? The slow cooker does most of the work for you, building deep flavors while you go about your day. Dinnertime never looked (or smelled) so inviting!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crock Pot Lasagna Soup lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one brings something special, whether it’s rich depth, a pop of color, or that irresistible cheesy finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: For a hearty, savory base—choose your favorite or mix both for extra flavor!
- Chopped Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, making the soup irresistibly aromatic.
- Garlic, Minced: Essential for vibrant, classic Italian flavor—don’t skimp on fresh!
- Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz can): The backbone of the soup, giving it body and a rich tomato punch.
- Tomato Sauce (15 oz can): Makes the broth silky and full-bodied.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for that true lasagna feel.
- Dried Basil & Oregano: These Italian herbs deliver savory, herby notes and balance the tomatoes beautifully.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances all the flavors and brings everything together.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a little sass and a mild kick—add as much or as little as you like.
- Low-Sodium Chicken or Beef Broth: Gives the soup a hearty, sippable base without overwhelming saltiness.
- Lasagna Noodles, Broken: Signature to this dish, the rustic noodle pieces make every spoonful fun and satisfying.
- Ricotta Cheese: Dolloped on top, it melts into creamy pools just like classic lasagna filling.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For gooey, cheesy goodness—don’t be shy!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish with each sprinkle.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional): A bright, fresh garnish to wake up all those deep, slow-cooked flavors.
How to Make Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage and toss in the chopped onion. Cook them together for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and the onions are starting to soften. Now, stir in the minced garlic and let it go for one fragrant minute more. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat to keep your soup flavorful, not greasy.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base in the Slow Cooker
Transfer your cooked meat, onion, and garlic to the crock pot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Pour in the broth and give everything a good mix. Pop the lid on and cook either on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors have plenty of time to mingle and get cozy.
Step 3: Add the Lasagna Noodles
About 30 minutes before dinnertime, break your lasagna noodles into rustic pieces (think 2-inch bits) and drop them right into the soup. Crank the slow cooker up to high if it isn’t already, then cover and cook another 20 to 30 minutes. The noodles should be perfectly al dente—tender but with just the right amount of bite.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Serve
Now the best part! Ladle the hot Crock Pot Lasagna Soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of ricotta, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. The residual heat will melt the cheese into dreamy ribbons. For a final flourish, add fresh basil or parsley if you’ve got it handy.
How to Serve Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
Garnishes
Garnishing really elevates your bowl of Crock Pot Lasagna Soup to Italian bistro status. I love a big dollop of creamy ricotta, followed by plenty of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkling of Parmesan. Fresh, chopped basil or parsley brings brightness to every steamy spoonful, and if you enjoy a little heat, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes is always in style.
Side Dishes
Want to create the ultimate comfort meal? Serve this soup with warm, crusty bread for sopping up every last drop, or a simple green salad tossed with a zippy vinaigrette. If you’re feeling extra classic, add a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread to round things out. It’s a meal that feels both special and unfussy.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting friends or want to jazz up a weeknight dinner? Serve Crock Pot Lasagna Soup in wide, shallow bowls with the cheeses artistically swirled on top, or try mini soup crocks for a cozy, single-serving vibe. Set up a mini “cheese bar” with guests adding their own mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan, plus fresh herbs for DIY fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Crock Pot Lasagna Soup to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. The flavors just keep deepening, so you might find it’s even better the next day!
Freezing
This soup is freezer-friendly, but there’s a little trick—if you plan to freeze, leave out the noodles and dairy toppings. Pour the cooled (noodle-free) soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, stir in cooked noodles, and dress with cheese just before eating. It’ll taste freshly made every time.
Reheating
Reheat Crock Pot Lasagna Soup gently on the stove or in the microwave. If it’s thickened up, just add a splash of broth until you reach your desired consistency. Top with fresh cheese and herbs after warming—just like the first time!
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! No-boil lasagna noodles work well in Crock Pot Lasagna Soup. Just break them up as you would regular noodles and check them for doneness a bit earlier, as they tend to soften faster.
What if I want to add more veggies?
Feel free to pile in extra vegetables. Chopped spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell pepper all make wonderful additions—add them during the last 30 minutes alongside the noodles so they stay bright and tender.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground meat for plant-based crumbles or use a mixture of mushrooms and lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef. You’ll still capture all the comfort of classic lasagna with every spoonful.
How can I keep the noodles from getting soggy?
The key is waiting until about 30 minutes before serving to add the noodles, and only cook until they’re tender. If you’re storing leftovers, you can even cook noodles separately and add them to each bowl as you serve.
Is Crock Pot Lasagna Soup spicy?
It’s not inherently spicy, but the recipe includes optional red pepper flakes for those who love a bit of heat. If you prefer a milder soup, simply leave them out or let each person add their own at the table.
Final Thoughts
If you ask me, there’s nothing cozier than a big bowl of Crock Pot Lasagna Soup to bring family and friends together. The flavors are classic, the prep is stress-free, and every spoonful tastes like a hug. I can’t wait for you to try it—go ahead, grab your slow cooker and let the comfort begin!
Print
Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Crock Pot Lasagna Soup is a comforting and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna. Packed with meat, tomatoes, noodles, and cheese, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
Additional Ingredients:
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage with onion until cooked. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain excess fat.
- Cook Soup Base: Transfer meat mixture to slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, herbs, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and broth. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Add Noodles: 30 minutes before serving, stir in broken lasagna noodles. Continue to cook until noodles are tender.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and herbs if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped spinach or kale with the noodles.
- This soup thickens upon standing, add more broth when reheating if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
